Rajasthan
is a heaven for a wide spectrum of wildlife. The topography of Rajasthan ranges
from the barren desert, scrub-thorn arid forests, rocks and ravines to wetlands
and lush, green forests. Rajasthan is the home of the tigers, black bucks, chinkara,
the rare desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial,
monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupine.
Migratory birds like the common crane, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare
Siberian cranes, imperial sandgrouse, falcons, buzzards flocks to this state
during the winter months. Typical areas representing each of the ecosystems
have been earmarked as special areas of wildlife. Rajasthan boasts of two
National Parks, over a dozen Sanctuaries and two Closed Areas. Most of these
areas are open to visitors round the year but are closed briefly during the
monsoon.
Around 550 species of birds can be traced in the lakes, ponds, marshlands and
grasslands of of Rajasthan. They are an absolute paradise for bird lovers most
of which are residents. The best colony of birds in the world is Kealodeo National
Park situated in Bharatpur. It has more than 400 species of birds and more than
130 of them breed inside the park. Being a unique bird place, the UNSECO has
recognized it as a world heritage site.
The
best season for bird watching begins with the onset of winter when marshlands
and lakes are inhabited by migratory birds as well as resident birds. Flamingos,
too can be seen in salt-water lakes like Pachpadra near Barmer and Sambhar near
Jaipur. The major wetlands other than Bharatpur in Rajasthan are :
Jaipur -- Kukas, Kalah, Bund, Buchora Chandi, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh
Alwar -- Silislerh Jaisamand and Mansarover
Udaipur -- Ana Sagar and Faterhsagar in Ajmer, Jaisamand,Pichhola and
Badi ka Talab
Jodhpur -- Balsamand and Sardar Samand
Chittaurgarh -- Bassi Dam
Bhilwara -- Meja Dam
Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary:
Established in 1983 it covers a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and dry deciduous
forest and is a home to leopards, chinkara, sloth bear can be spotted here
if one is lucky. The best time to visit is between October and May.
Darrah
Sanctuary:
Previously the hunting ground of the maharajas of Kota, this sanctuary was
established in 1955 and covers an area of 266 sq km. This hilly sanctuary
with its thick forests is worth a visit. The animals here include wolf, sloth
bear, chinkara and leopard. The best time to visit is between February and
May.
Desert National Sanctuary:
Established in 1980, the park covers on 3162 sq km. and has shrubs and trees
in not to miss out rolling sand dunes. The wildlife wealth here comprises
fox, desert cat, hare, spiney tail uromastix and sand fish. Sparrows, imperial
sand grouse, bustards, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter in
large numbers. Best time to visit is September to March.
Jaisamand Sanctuary:
Located beside the man-made Jaisamand lake is this sanctuary established in
1957, this sanctuary is covers a total area of 160 sq km. and harbours sloth
bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds. Some crocodiles
and fish can also be spotted here. Best time to visit is between November
and January.
Keoladeo
Ghana National Park, Bharatpur:
Declared a National Park in 1983, this 29 sq. km. park is one of the world’s
greatest heronries. Its shallow, fresh water marsh attracts thousands of migratory
birds. Over 10,000 nests of egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons and storks
hatch nearly 20,000 to 30,000 chicks every year. There is an infinite variety
of migratory birds. Mammals like the sambhar, blackbuck, chital, nilgai, fishing
cat and mongoose also roam freely here. Best time to visit is August to February.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary:
The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the 578 sq km sanctuary. The Aravallis
hills, which remain barren for most of the year, turn green in the rains and
provide shelter to sloth bear, leopard, flying squirrel. It is also the only
sanctuary where the Indian wolf is breeding successfully. Best time to visit
is March to May and Spetember to November.
Mount Abu Sacntuary:
The highest point of Aravallis, the Guru Shikhar, lies in this 289 sq.km.
sanctuary. Established in 1960, this provides shelter to the common langaur,wild
boar,sambhar and leopard.. The grey jungle fowl can also be spotted here.
Besides, a number of flowering threes enchance the beauty of this place.
Ranthambhor
National Park:
This is the state’s most well-known tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
Home of an ecpansive variety of other animals in is 392 sq km area, one can
spot sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among
others. Artificial lakes, dense forests and the shield of the Aravallis have
helped to make this park very impressive and interesting. Best time to visit
is Ocotber to April.
Mornings and evenings are the best time to observe animals and birds - which
is why we planned out an overnight trip both here and to Bharatpur. The Ranthambhor
National Park certainly is one of the most picturesque game reserves in the
world - the entire forest being dominated by the silent, ruined battlements
of the Ranthambhor Fort, which is inside the sanctuary. Another interesting
feature of the park is a huge banyan tree - supposedly one of the world's
largest - near the graceful Jogi Mahal water palace. Incidentally, Jogi Mahal
still does not have electricity. Covered under Project Tiger (one of Asia's
most important conservation efforts), Ranthambhor is the favourite haunt of
wildlife buffs and professional wildlife photographers from around the world.
Apart from tigers, other animals include panthers, caracal, hyena, jackal,
jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer.
The Park has a rich birdlife as well including The Great Indian horned owl,
which has an uncanny resemblance to my boss back home. Ah yes, a very interesting
thing about the Ranthambhor Fort. Atop the rocky cliff, there is a post office
and a temple of the Hindu god, Ganesha. Big Deal, you would say! But hear
this... the invitation card of every Hindu wedding is first sent to this temple
and the post office is there because of the overload. I pity the poor postal
department chappie who has to climb the fort's steep serpentine ramp with
overflowing mailbags.
Sariska Tiger Reserve:
The other tigerland in Rajasthan which was brought under Project Tiger in
1979. Other than leopard, sambhar, nilgai, wild dog, and chinkara, the ruins
of 9th and 10th century temples exist here. Best time to visit is November
to June. Other sanctuaries include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper,
Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi, Van Vihar, Ramgarh, Shergarh, Todgarh-Rad and Jawahar
Sagar.
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